27" i7, 12gb ram - Ati 5750 1gb vram - InDesign SLOWER THAN MOLASSES.

[Sean Dempsey]

Got a new work computer. i7, 12gb ram, ATI 5750 with 1gb video ram.


I used SuperDuper to copy my old work machine (macbook pro) to the new iMac i7.

My main software environment is Adobe InDesign, and the thing is slower than crap now.

Did the cloning do that? I presume that this iMac should have at least been as fast as the MacBook Pro C2Duo?

What is up here? I am sure people have SuperDuper'd from other machines to new i7's, so am I alone or does this really not work?

Insight appreciated.

 

[Hellhammer]

Have you tried reinstalling InDesign? Is it the only app that is slow? Have you checked its settings (may be that you have some old RAM limits for example)?

 

[Sean Dempsey]

InDesign doesn't really have performance settings like photoshop does, it just sort of allows you to adjust the screen performance of how it displays the graphics and how quickly/clearly. Those setttings are all set to normal.


It's like, interface issues. I'll click a dropdown in the program, takes .5 to 1 second to respond, where on the MBP it was instant (and should be - this is stuff that requires no processing power). Just simple things like resizing the file window or something.

I've updated SL and everything for the iMac. I am hesitant to start over on the fresh install of everything because of the way Indesign uses linked files, the huge catalogs and manuals I have in them would all have broken paths to the source linked files.

I have created a new user, and am going to see if the files behave in the same sluggish way, but the problems with user privileges and linked files are worrying me again.

I just gotta get things snappy, and InDesign and Adobe stuff never seems to want to be awesome.


Something is definitely wrong, though. There's no reason an i7 with 12 gigs of RAM would be so much more unresponsive when opening menus and doing simple UI tasks than a C2Duo Macbook Pro. It's not even working with the files themselves, it's things like moving around in the hand tool and switching tools. I click the tool and it takes .5 seconds for the toolbar button to depress.

Suucks.

 

[wessew]

As Hellhammer suggested, reinstall it. Also, I would performpermissions repair and repair disk functions using Apple Disk Utility.

 

[old-wiz]

you might not have the correct kernel code for i7. What cpu was your old computer?

 

[powerbook911]

A time machine transferring of programs/settings would have went smoother. Or just hooking the two machines up with firewire.

I'd do that and not do the cloning. Cloning is great if you're using the same machine.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

you might not have the correct kernel code for i7. What cpu was your old computer?

Core2Duo 2.8, it's a mid 2009 Macbook Pro. But THAT machine was cloned from a 2006 Mac Pro. I've never once installed OS X in the last 4 years, they are all clones from the Original Mac Pro =D

I don't use Time Machine, so I didn't have that available. And I've done this so many times without problem, I was wondering if the new i7 architecture didn't like something, but there are no Snow Leopard updates, so I figured it was good.

 

[Hellhammer]

Core2Duo 2.8, it's a mid 2009 Macbook Pro. But THAT machine was cloned from a 2006 Mac Pro. I've never once installed OS X in the last 4 years, they are all clones from the Original Mac Pro =D

I don't use Time Machine, so I didn't have that available. And I've done this so many times without problem, I was wondering if the new i7 architecture didn't like something, but there are no Snow Leopard updates, so I figured it was good.

Any updates for InDesign? I would reinstall it, even though it took some time. This sounds like a software error and I can't think of any other methods but a complete reinstallation of the application. Cloning can always cause issues when cloning between different machines, thus I would not do that.

Besides, your iMac was released after 10.6.4 so it might a special version of OS X that you have now overwritten by using the clone.

 

[ssmed]

Time for a complete re-install

But - remember to deactivate your Adobe applications first. CS5 is great on my portable (i7) which is not as fast as your computer. Nor do I have as much memory.

 

[astrorider]

A time machine transferring of programs/settings would have went smoother. Or just hooking the two machines up with firewire.

I'd do that and not do the cloning. Cloning is great if you're using the same machine.

Yep, cloning to different machines will eventually bite you. Using Time Machine behaves like a clone without the downsides...it keeps the System files intact, and just restores your apps, user files, preferences, etc.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

Besides, your iMac was released after 10.6.4 so it might a special version of OS X that you have now overwritten by using the clone.

Would there not be a software update for OS X if that was the case?

I suppose maybe if there's not a 10.6.4.X then maybe not... dammit.

 

[Hellhammer]

Would there not be a software update for OS X if that was the case?

I suppose maybe if there's not a 10.6.4.X then maybe not... dammit.

Not really, Apple doesn't usually release such updates because they don't assume that people would clone their old machines The custom version just includes extra drivers/kexts that are needed for your Mac to operate properly. For example, the ATI 5750 was not used before this gen so 10.6.4 may not have proper drivers for it. If 10.6.5 was out, then you shouldn't have this issue with OS X.

I still think the InDesign issue can be fixed buy reinstalling the InDesign. I'm just scaring you with this OS X thing If other apps work fine, then the issue is with the InDesign, not with OS X.

 

[toxic]

reinstall ID and/or do an archive-install. I cloned the drive from my MBP to my MP, and some things didn't work exactly they were supposed to until I reformatted...I figure certain settings are enabled/disabled based on what platform OSX is being installed to.

 

[Goldfinger]

Don't clone to different types of machines. It's asking for trouble.

 

[Ratatunga]

Hi Sean,
Did reinstalling work???
I am having the same infuriating problem but on 2 brand new imacs with fresh installs of everything.

have you found any help on the subject???? I'm sure you know how infuriating it is when you are trying to work fast and precise.

 

[BobbyCat]

As others already pointed out, it's time to reinstall. And maybe more than you think, for cloning from one Mac to other Macs accross several generations means trouble eventually. In the copying process, you may have brought old background stuff that is not compatible with the latest OS X version, thus causing unnecessary repeating delays.

Worst case: you may have to deep reformat your drive using the OS disc that came with the new iMac. And then reinstall both OS X and Adobe.

PS, don't shoot me, I'm only a messenger